About this winery
A family-owned business, L'Ecole Nº 41 was founded by Jean and Baker Ferguson. Today, the winery is owned and operated by their daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Martin Clubb. Built in 1915, the schoolhouse is located in historic Frenchtown, a small community just west of Walla Walla, Washington. Frenchtown derived its name from the many French-Canadians who settled the valley during the early 1800s. Legend has it, these men of French descent were raising grapes and producing wine. By the...
See the L'ECOLE NO. 41 detail page for more information on this brand
Product notes
Over 30 years of meticulous vineyard management is fundamental to the quality of L’Ecole wines and their reputation for excellence. They are engaged in growing and making 100% of their wines. Hand harvested with an average of 24.8° brix, picked from August 29 through to October 10th 2016. Continued mild weather through August and September stretched the growing season allowing the fruit to ripen gradually and evenly, with lower sugars and higher acidity. The longer hang-time produced fantastic balance of flavour and structure in both the white and red varieties.
Production notes
Each lot, with over 30 years of meticulous vineyard management, was hand harvested ripe and gently crushed into 1.5 stainless steel fermenters. Careful handling of the fruit through hand punch downs and gravity assisted movements were used throughout the winemaking process. The wine was cleanly racked to 100% small oak barrels, mostly neutral, with four rackings over 18 months.
Tasting notes
The growing region in Washington State is ideally suited to maximize the full expression of Syrah. Spicy, rich and complex, with soft tannins and bright acidity. The 2016 vintage is dark, robust and spicy this full bodied Syrah shows rich flavors of black & blue berries, peppercorn, and licorice through an earthy finish.